By KATE AUSTIN PAYNE
Reporter
“Usually I don’t talk — usually when I’m here, I’m yelling in the crowd of a sporting event for my daughter,” joked Roger Henschel at the beginning of his speech at Jefferson High School’s Nov. 7 Veterans Day Assembly.
But this year’s keynote speaker is more than a proud volleyball parent. Henschel, a Clancy resident, is also a Lieutenant Colonel with 34 years of service in the Montana Army National Guard under his belt. He has served as the commander of the 260th Engineer Combat Company, receiving honors and accolades including a Purple Heart, Bronze Star and Combat Action Badge, in addition to Army Commendation and Army Achievement medals. He has spent time in Alaska as a military policeman, and most recently deployed to the Helmand province of Afghanistan, where he received the title of combat veteran in 2012.
In his address to the high school community, with other veterans looking on, Henschel emphasized the importance of recognizing and thanking those who have served previously, noting the 19 million veterans nationwide. “From one vet to another, thank you for your service; and thank you to the families who support us when we’re out serving our country,” Henschel said.
Henschel also said that he feels lucky to live in a small-town Montana environment that maintains reverence for the men and women of the armed forces, believing the community to be a stronghold of people who still appreciate the sacrifices made by the veterans around them.
Henschel then turned his attention to the next generation of potential military men and women, addressing the Jefferson students directly. From the podium, he described the opportunities given him by his time in service, and urged the students in attendance to consider the armed forces as an opportunity for building their future. “The military really has a place for everyone, and a home for everyone,” Henschel stated.
Henschel came from a military family himself; he is the grandson of an Army veteran, while his brother has spent 23 years in active duty in the Navy. Coming from a blue collar background, Henschel initially saw the military as the best choice for his future, ultimately choosing joining the National Guard over football scholarships after weighing the benefits.
In addition to being a member of the National Guard, Henschel works full time at Fort Harrison in Helena as a federal technician in charge of all of the Guard’s Montana shooting ranges. Beyond that, the veteran and father of four spends much of his time hunting and fishing – and yes, watching Jefferson High sports.
The ceremony, hosted by the Jefferson High National Honor Society, also featured the presentation of colors by veteran Larrey Lattin and an accompanying color guard, as well as the national anthem performed by the JHS band and an awards presentation. Following the retiring of colors, attending veterans and their families were invited to stay for a celebratory luncheon.
